California Classroom Science

CSTA Annual Conference: Rich in Middle School Curriculum

Posted: Friday, September 30th, 2011

by Lisa Hegdahl

It’s almost October! Along with the cold weather, pumpkins, and scary costumes, it is also time for the annual California Science Education Conference (October 21-23). And this year, for the first time ever, it is in beautiful Pasadena, California at the Pasadena Convention Center. I have been an 8th grade Science teacher for over 20 years; it is a conservative estimate to say that 90% of the educational materials I use on a regular basis have come from the CSTA’s annual conferences.

As early as Friday morning, teachers can go to seminars on force and motion with straws and tape, genetics with flies, rockets, and evolution all being featured topics. All of the workshops are presented by teachers who have taught these lessons in their own classrooms. They know how to make these lessons work for you in yours. Throughout the rest of the weekend, middle school workshops include Supermarket Chemistry, Hands on Minds on Periodic Table, Natural Selection, Stretch Your Digital Dollar, Managing Middle School Science Labs, Balls and Ramps, Newton’s First Law, Top 10 Lab Demonstrations, Teaching Density for Understanding, Our Amazing Immune System, and the list continues! Those are just the Workshops!

The 2011 California Science Education Conference in Pasadena also offers Short Courses. You can learn how to podcast your science classroom, set up your classroom for forensic lessons, build a telescope, or implement successful strategies for teaching evolution. Field Courses are also available. While you’re here, visit the Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility, the California Science Center, the Caltech Seismological Laboratory, or the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

The 2011 California Science Education Conference not only offers workshops and courses, but also the exhibit hall, focus speakers, and night-time activities. The only challenge you might have in Pasadena will be trying to choose from all the amazing offerings. Check out the CSTA website where you can get detailed conference information including information on housing and transportation. See you there!

Lisa Hegdahl is an 8th grade science teacher at McCaffrey Middle School in Galt, CA and CSTA’s middle school director.

“These teachers are dedicated and accomplished individuals whose innovative teaching styles prepare our students for 21st century careers and college and develop them into the designers and inventors of the future,” Torlakson said. “They rank among the finest in their profession and also serve as wonderful mentors and role models.”

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